1. Frostbite has two stages: freeze and thaw. Which one causes more damage?
A) Freezing B) Thawing

2. Why, by in large, are your toes, fingers, ears, and nose the most susceptible to frostbite?
A) They have less fat.
B) When the body chills, it constricts blood flow to the extremities to keep your all-important core warm.
C) The skin is thinner on the extremities.

3. True or false In normal conditions, frostbite can’t occur if the ambient temperature is above freezing, no matter how cold the wind chill.

4. Which factor predisposes you to frostbite?
A) Dehydration B) Hunger
C) Fatigue D) All of the above

A) Area is pale white, icy cold to the touch, and feels wooden
B) Skin is white/yellowish, waxy, numb, and cold to the touch, but still soft.
C) Skin is white, waxy, numb, cold, and hard. If you poke it, the dent stays for several seconds.

9. The best way to treat frostbite is by soaking it in 99°F to 102°F water (if you dip in your elbow, the water should feel warm, not hot) until the area thaws (15 to 30 minutes). Which of the following additional actions DOES NOT help with healing?
A) Gently swirling the water to lift away dead cells
B) Taking ibuprofen or aspirin to relieve pain and decrease damage done during thawing
C) Applying aloe to the skin, which is anti-inflammatory and soothing
D) Placing the skin near a warm, radiant source like a fire, stove, or radiator

9. The best way to treat frostbite is by soaking it in 99°F to 102°F water (if you dip in your elbow, the water should feel warm, not hot) until the area thaws (15 to 30 minutes). Which of the following additional actions DOES NOT help with healing?
A) Gently swirling the water to lift away dead cells
B) Taking ibuprofen or aspirin to relieve pain and decrease damage done during thawing
C) Applying aloe to the skin, which is anti-inflammatory and soothing
D) Placing the skin near a warm, radiant source like a fire, stove, or radiator

10. You’re in the backcountry with frostbitten fingers. Should you rewarm them?
A) Yes, the sooner, the better.
B) Yes, but only if there is absolutely no chance of them refreezing.
C) No, wait until you get home and can see a doctor for expert care.

11. True or false Tissue that was once frostbitten is more susceptible to future frostbite.

13. Fill in the blank The medical term for frostbite’s black, dry tissue is ______ and the area always/maybe/never requires amputation.

16. You’re in the boonies (no rescue) with frostbitten feet. You have warm water for thawing and are sure you can prevent refreezing. Do you rewarm them?
A) Yes, asap
B) No, hike out (but don’t overexert); thaw in town.

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Sponsored: After looking at a map and seeing where you’re heading, it’s always amazing to see it appear up ahead of you in real life. Here’s our Editor-in-Chief hiking to two unnamed tarns near the headwaters of Lime Creek, about 3.5 miles west of Molas Pass on the Colorado Trail. Continued thanks to Mountain Hardwear for making the #ColoradoTrailFest come to life. #LiveBreatheHike #MountainHardwear Photo By Kennan Harvey